The People’s Republic of Ireland has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peacebuilding, reconciliation, and youth empowerment in Liberia with the launch of the PeaceGen Project, a major initiative funded by the European Union with co-funding from the Government of Ireland.
Speaking at the official launching ceremony held at the Cape Hotel in Monrovia on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Irish Ambassador to Liberia, Gerard Considine, described the project as a critical investment in Liberia’s future, emphasizing that sustainable peace depends on the active involvement of young people, including women.
Ambassador Considine said Ireland is proud to partner with the European Union and local civil society organizations in advancing a project that seeks to strengthen youth participation in peacebuilding and the transitional justice processes. He noted that peace is not built solely through government institutions but through communities where women and young people play a leading role in preventing conflicts and promoting reconciliation.
“In a country where the majority of the population is under the age of 35, it is essential that young people are empowered to become leaders, advocates, and agents of positive change,” Ambassador Considine said. The Irish diplomat further stated that the initiative complements Liberia’s efforts toward reconciliation and accountability while supporting the global Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
Providing an overview of the project, Mrs. Korto Williams, representing the implementing partners, explained that the PeaceGen Project is a three-year initiative designed to strengthen the meaningful participation and leadership of women and young people in Liberia’s peacebuilding, conflict prevention, transitional justice, and decision-making processes.
According to her, the project is being implemented by the Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation in partnership with the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia (WONGOSOL), the Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJAL), the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL), the Alliance for Peace, Justice and Human Rights (APJHR), and the National Young Women Political Council of Liberia (NYWPCL).
Mrs. Williams said the initiative will create opportunities for dialogue, civic engagement, advocacy, leadership development, and community-based peacebuilding activities targeting young people and women across the country.
She disclosed that the project will be implemented in Bomi, Bong, Montserrado, Nimba, and Sinoe Counties and is expected to directly benefit approximately 5,000 people while engaging more than 2,500 young Liberians in activities that promote accountability, reconciliation, and social cohesion.
Serving as Chief Launcher, Dr. Cllr. Jallah A. Barbu, Executive Director of the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L), stressed the importance of linking peacebuilding efforts with justice and accountability.
Dr. Barbu said Liberia’s quest for lasting peace must be grounded in the rule of law, accountability, and equal opportunities for all citizens. “True peace is not simply the absence of conflict; it is founded on justice, accountability, inclusion, and opportunity,” he told participants. The OWECC-L Executive Director maintained that addressing past injustices and strengthening accountability mechanisms are essential to preventing future conflicts and building public confidence in national institutions
He called on the Government of Liberia, development partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector to continue investing in youth-focused initiatives, describing such investments as crucial to safeguarding democracy and national stability.
Dr. Barbu also highlighted the need to prioritize the welfare and development of children and young people, whom he described as the future custodians of Liberia’s peace and democracy.
Speaking at the same time, Anna Brozowska, Governance Team Leader at the European Union Delegation to Liberia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting inclusive peacebuilding and democratic governance in the country.
She said the PeaceGen Project recognizes the vital role women and young people play in promoting lasting peace and strengthening democratic institutions. According to Brozowska, the initiative will create platforms that connect transitional justice efforts with youth leadership through dialogue, civic participation, remembrance, and accountability.
“Lasting peace in Liberia depends on the full participation of women and young people,” she said. “The European Union is committed to ensuring they are not only included in national conversations but are empowered as leaders in peacebuilding and reconciliation.”
The PeaceGen Project will run from January 2026 to January 2029 and is expected to contribute significantly to Liberia’s ongoing peace consolidation efforts by empowering a new generation of leaders committed to justice, reconciliation, accountability, and sustainable peace. The program was graced by government officials, civil society actors, youth groups international partners, and others.
